Sometimes – all too often, in fact – cocky, arrogant, aggressive, pushy, ruthless, and self-assured leaders get applause and recognition today in our world!
Those kind of leaders are NOT godly leaders, and according to Scripture are NOT honored and blessed by God! In fact this is what Scripture declares…
“God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble!” (Proverbs 3:34; James 4:6, 10; 1 Peter 5:5)
Don’t get me wrong, there is a place – an important place – for “humble confidence” rooted in “faith” (confidence in God) and conscientious preparation and industrious activity.
In fact today in my Bible reading I was reminded of an emerging leader who serves as a “case study” in the kind of person the Lord can bless… SOLOMON! Here is the account from the Bible…1 Kings 3:3–14 (ESV)
“Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father… At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, ‘Ask what I shall give you.’ And Solomon said, ‘You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you… And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?’
“It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, ‘Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.’” (from 1 Kings 3:3–14 (ESV)
Gotta tell you, I want to be that kind of leader … the kind He “graces” – NOT the kind He resists!
Coffee With The Lord 